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Science

Laws & Regulations

Chapter 12 of the Iowa Administrative Code describes science instruction at grade levels 1-12, which includes the following:

12.5(3) Elementary program, grades 1-6.
d. Science. Science instruction shall include life, earth, and physical science and shall incorporate hands-on process skills; scientific knowledge; application of the skills and knowledge to students and society; conservation of natural resources; and environmental awareness.

12.5(4) Junior-high program, grades 7 and 8.
d. Science. Same definition as in 12.5(3) d.

12.5(5) High school program, grades 9-12.
d. Science (five units). Science instruction shall include biological, earth, and physical science, including physics and chemistry. Full units of physics and chemistry shall be taught but may be offered in alternate years. All science instruction shall incorporate hands-on process skills; scientific knowledge; the application of the skills and knowledge to students and society; conservation of natural resources; and environmental awareness.

 

Science in the Iowa Core Curriculum

Visit the Iowa Core Curriculum website to view the statewide academic expectations for all K -12 students in the area of science.

 

Every Learner Inquires (ELI)

Every Learner Inquires (ELI) is a capacity building effort in science targeting improved student understanding and achievement through improved instructional practices. ELI focuses on inquiry-based instruction aligned with the National Science Education Standards and follows the Iowa Professional Development Model. There are two learning strands, one focusing on the elementary levels and the other on secondary.

 

Mathematics & Science Partnerships

This program is designed to improve student academic achievement in mathematics and science by funding partnerships through a competitive grant process. The partnerships supported through this program bring together mathematics and science teachers with scientists, mathematicians and engineers to expand teachers' subject matter knowledge of and research in science and mathematics. The program supports partnerships that provide opportunities for ongoing and advanced professional development for teachers, promote and support the redesign of instruction and curriculum in mathematics and science, and recruit mathematics, engineering, and science majors to teaching. Partnerships supported through this program must engage in activities that are based on scientific research. The Iowa Department of Education cooperates with the Iowa Board of Regents (which has a comparable program funded through Title II, Part A) in conducting the required competitive grant process.

 

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics & Science Teaching (PAEMST)

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest award a kindergarten - 12th grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.

 

AEA Science Websites

Keystone AEA 1 - http://www.aea1.k12.ia.us/science/science.html

AEA 267 - http://www.aea267.k12.ia.us/science/

Prairie Lakes AEA 8 - http://www.aea8.k12.ia.us/en/programs_and_services/science/

Mississippi Bend AEA 9 - http://www.aea9.k12.ia.us/en/programs_and_services/integrated_services/quality_learning/science/

Grant Wood AEA 10 - http://www.gwaea.org/vastscience/index.html

Heartland AEA 11 - http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/science/

Northwest AEA - http://www.nwaea.k12.ia.us/en/programs_and_services/educational_services/science/materials/

Green Valley AEA 14 - http://sppdp.org/

Great Prairie AEA - http://www.gpaea.k12.ia.us/programs--services/science-literacy.aspx

 

 

2002 Iowa Mathematics & Science Needs Assessment

icon 2002 Iowa Mathematics and Science Needs Assessment Executive Summary

icon 2002 Iowa Mathematics and Science Needs Assessment